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  Panel's Changes in MMJ Bill Face Concord Test
Posted by CN Staff on June 24, 2009 at 04:34:29 PT
By Dana Smith, Staff Writer 
Source: Nashua Telegraph 

medical Concord, NH -- People with debilitating conditions who use pot as medicine may finally see the threat of criminal charges go up in smoke, as the state's altered medical marijuana bill is expected to receive a final review in the Legislature today.

The changes a conference committee made to the bill will be put to the test, as a vote to approve the new language of the bill is scheduled in the New Hampshire House and Senate, before being sent for final endorsement from Gov. John Lynch.

The original bill passed in both the House and the Senate before Lynch told members of the House he would veto it if there weren't changes made. The most important alteration was the regulation of patients cultivating their own marijuana.

Lynch created a seven-member committee to try to fix some of the language.

Committee members used similar wording to the bill already enacted in Rhode Island, which added "compassion centers" to their existing policy of allowing patients to cultivate their own marijuana.

"We don't always do what other states do," said Rep. Cindy Rosenwald, D-Nashua, who took part in the redrafting of the bill. "Really the goal of this from the beginning was to have a very limited restricted program that had no opportunity for diversion. We came to feeling that the centralized model would have much better control then allowing it to be grown at home."

The new bill, which allows patients to carry up to 2 ounces of pot, would create three compassion centers throughout New Hampshire that would grow, cultivate and distribute all of the marijuana being dispensed for patients throughout New Hampshire, instead of letting patients or their caregivers grow it themselves.

"I think that we crafted a very tight piece of legislation here," said Rep. Shannon Chandley, D-Amherst. "I really don't think it opens up recreation use to anyone in any fashion. It provides for the people who really need it and who are truly ill."

If Lynch signs the bill, there is a provision for annual reports from the Department of Health and Human Services about the effectiveness and accessibility of medical marijuana. If officials find after two years they need more access for patients to marijuana, then they can create up to two more compassion centers for increased distribution.

"I think it's a better piece of legislation than I have ever seen on the subject," said Rosenwald. "Those who worry that it is a foot in the door to decriminalization or broadening access should really read the bill. There is no opportunity to expand who should have access to it."

The committee also fixed several other concerns that Lynch had with the bill, including funding for the program, allowing HHS to do background checks on potential caregivers, and creating a concrete definition of what constitutes debilitating medical conditions.

"It was a very experienced committee who are committed to the well being of the state," said Chandley. "We can follow their lead and realize that this is a good bill for New Hampshire."

There has still been some resistance to the bill from senators and members of the House.

"I don't think some of the people that are going to be voting on these even care about the person," said Rep. Jordan Ulery, R-Hudson. "It's a way of them trying to show that they are caring about sick people. But you vote for a bill because it is good or bad. You don't vote for it to gain power, prestige or influence, and unfortunately I think some of that is taking place."

Other opponents of the bill cite the stigma surrounding drug use.

"I just have a problem with the fact that marijuana is illegal," said Rep. Carolyn Gargasz, R-Hollis. "I am very concerned that marijuana is very accepted and that people see nothing wrong with using it."

But advocates of the bill expect at the least some backlash.

"We know that some people are against it, period, and will never vote for it," said Matt Simon, from the New Hampshire Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy. "But others really see this as a good thing. There has been a significant swing in public perception and its time to help those people who need it."

Note: The Pot Debate: How well is the legal crackdown on marijuana working: Is it a good way to reduce drug abuse, or a waste of money? These stories look at the issue, examining the opinions of those who make the law, those who enforce it, and those who run afoul of it.

Check it out at: http://drugsense.org/url/LrIJUzgF

Source: Nashua Telegraph, The (Nashua, NH)
Author: Dana Smith, Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Copyright: 2009 Telegraph Publishing Company
Contact: letters@nashuatelegraph.com
Website: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com
URL: http://drugsense.org/url/XW42GuyL

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Comment #31 posted by ekim on June 25, 2009 at 21:27:58 PT
good going AB
its the 5th year for the energy fair and we keep asking questions.



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Comment #30 posted by afterburner on June 25, 2009 at 19:48:40 PT
ekim #6
CN BC: Column: Hemp Should Be Encouraged, Grand Forks Gazette, (17 Jun 2009) http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v09/n639/a06.html?176

More "fuel" for the "fire".

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Comment #29 posted by Hope on June 24, 2009 at 22:04:25 PT
Comment 27
That's an amazing article.

I can hardly believe how completely the tide has turned.

It's amazing.

I could get used to this kind of good news.

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Comment #28 posted by afterburner on June 24, 2009 at 20:33:13 PT
Sam #7
I have also noticed governments backing away from allowing caregivers. In Canada, court-ordered "medical marihuana access regulations" in 2001 legalized caregivers for a tiny population of cannabis patients. Since the Harper minority Conservative government came to power, they have been moving toward outlawing personal cultivation in favor of centralized government supply. This "solution" is really just prohibition-lite.

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Comment #27 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 18:58:28 PT
NH's House And Senate Vote To Legalize MMJ
NH's House And Senate Vote To Legalize Medical Marijuana

June 24, 2009

URL: http://www.nhpr.org/node/25712

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Comment #26 posted by Hope on June 24, 2009 at 15:48:15 PT
Thanks, FoM
Magnified it looks like at least one has a cigarette of some sort that he's crumbling into his other hand.

Looks like maybe some seeds in it that would blow sky high if smoked.

Maybe it's a strain... "Kynda Nasty".

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Comment #25 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 15:35:59 PT
N.H. Lawmakers Approve Medical Marijuana
URL: http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/06/nh-lawmakers-approve-medical-marijuana.html

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Comment #24 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 15:33:44 PT
Hope
I'm not sure what that is. The one looks like hash the other looks different. Maybe it's just the exposure of the picture that it looks dark.

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Comment #23 posted by Hope on June 24, 2009 at 15:15:31 PT
A question.
This isn't the first time I've seen the photograph that's posted with that article at Huffington Post. It's of three pairs of hands holding something.

What is it?

Is it that soap resin stuff that I hear the English have to subject themselves to?

It's certainly repulsive looking.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/un-backs-drug-decriminali_n_220013.html

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Comment #22 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 14:57:08 PT
NH Lawmakers OK Medical Marijuana; Gov To Study
June 24, 2009

New Hampshire legislators have passed a bill that would make the state the 14th to legalize marijuana for severely ill people — if the governor signs it.

Gov. John Lynch says he has not read the final version passed late Wednesday afternoon, but remains concerned about preventing marijuana cultivation and distribution.

Supporters say New Hampshire's proposed law stands out because it would bar users or their caregivers from growing marijuana. The weed would have to be grown and distributed in nonprofit "compassion centers."

Copyright: 2009 The Associated Press

http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsfnh/New.Hampshire.Legislature.2.1057359.html

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Comment #21 posted by Hope on June 24, 2009 at 14:29:09 PT
Josephlacerenza!
I've been waiting to see what they were going to say this time. That's amazing. A saner perspective! Out of that bunch! The thickest heads, the hardest heads, the densest heads can occasionally absorb some truth that is contradictory to their original stance.... but true.

I'm impressed that they didn't do their same old foolishly stubborn song and dance.

Costa saying that. Imagine that.

Thank you!

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Comment #20 posted by josephlacerenza on June 24, 2009 at 11:13:59 PT
Some News from the Huff
Hi Ya'l at C-News. Hope this Wednesday is going well for all!!!

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Comment #19 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 10:31:32 PT
And The Band Played On
This movie was an eye opener for me. Anyone interested in the history of AIDS might want to check out this movie. It's a heartbreaker to say the least.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/And_the_Band_Played_On_(film)

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Comment #18 posted by museman on June 24, 2009 at 09:39:23 PT
HempWorld
And some people think its ok to compromise and sign off on liberty with these people?

Very eye opening -to someone who believes their government is anything other than evil and corrupt.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

LEGALIZE FREEDOM

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Comment #17 posted by HempWorld on June 24, 2009 at 09:37:46 PT
Now that I've read a lot of material and verified:
I just remembered a good friend of mine in Amsterdam, who was a hemofiliac, got the aids virus from an American made drug that he took in 1983!?

It's all making sense now, very very scary stuff.

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Comment #16 posted by HempWorld on June 24, 2009 at 09:27:18 PT
Marijuana to remain illegal because it interferes
with the US population control program?

That is one of the conclusions I came up with.

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Comment #15 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 09:19:46 PT
UN Reports Decline in Cultivation of Some Drugs
June 24, 2009

URL: http://www.telegram.com/article/20090624/APA/906240814

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Comment #14 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 08:59:06 PT
HempWorld
There is nothing I wish more then for them to find a cure for HIV-AIDS.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #13 posted by HempWorld on June 24, 2009 at 08:50:12 PT
Patent 4647773 Inventors: Gallo; Robert C.
Method of continuous production of retroviruses (HTLV-III) from patients with AIDS and pre-AIDS

Abstract A cell system is disclosed for the reproducible detection and isolation of human T-lymphotropic retroviruses (HTLV-family) with cytopathic effects (HTLV-III) from patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), pre-AIDS and in healthy carriers.

One neoplastic aneuploid T-cell line derived from an adult with lymphoid leukemia, and termed HT, was susceptible to infection with the new variants of HTLV, which are transformed and providing T-cell populations which are highly susceptible and permissive from HTLV-III, and convenience for large scale production, isolation and biological detection of the virus.

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Comment #12 posted by HempWorld on June 24, 2009 at 08:41:19 PT
OT Cure for aids found?
Maybe I'm way behind the curve but I got an e-mail this morning about the cure for aids and the patents and patent numbers.

I went to http://www.uspto.gov and verified everything so far:

United States Patent 5,676,977

Method of curing AIDS with tetrasilver tetroxide molecular crystal devices

Abstract The diamagnetic semiconducting molecular crystal tetrasilver tetroxide (Ag.sub.4 O.sub.4) is utilized for destroying the AIDS virus, destroying AIDS synergistic pathogens and immunity suppressing moieties (ISM) in humans. A single intravenous injection of the devices is all that is required for efficacy at levels of about 40 PPM of human blood. The device molecular crystal contains two mono and two trivalent silver ions capable of "firing" electrons capable of electrocuting the AIDS virus, pathogens and ISM. When administered into the bloodstream, the device electrons will be triggered by pathogens, a proliferating virus and ISM, and when fired will simultaneously trigger a redox chelation mechanism resulting in divalent silver moieties which chelate and bind active sites of the entities destroying them. The devices are completely non-toxic. However, they put stress on the liver causing hepatomegaly, but there is no loss of liver function.

No wonder healthcare is expensive!

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Comment #11 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 08:31:16 PT
Sam
I agree. The caregiver is a very important part of medical marijuana. A caregiver that could supply a designated number of clients could make a comfortable income even if they are non profit. Organizations that are non profit can pay good salaries to certain people like the Red Cross does.

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Comment #10 posted by Sam Adams on June 24, 2009 at 08:14:34 PT
money
ha! my father taught me well but I didn't learn everything either!

I know someone who is in a wheelchair with MS who gets a monthly disability check of $600 plus free housing. He says the cannabis works better on his tremors at nights than 4 prescription medications combined. He's going to go through an ounce every week, a dispensary is out of the question for someone like this.

Dispensaries are great for short-term patients and rapid onset problems like cancer and chemo. But for most long term patients, which includes chronic pain, the majority of patients, self cultivation or caregiver cultivation is the only affordable option.



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Comment #9 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 08:01:37 PT
One More Thing
Just because my father taught me about money doesn't mean I always listened. I did learn though that he was right in the end.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #8 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 07:58:13 PT
Sam and Ekim
One and one equals two. You are right. How can people afford $400 an ounce since most sick people are living on a meager income? My father was a good accountant. He taught me to always reason money issues out.

Ekim, thank you very much!

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Comment #7 posted by Sam Adams on June 24, 2009 at 07:48:32 PT
bad bill
no patient or caregiver cultivation? This is the same as MPP's new referendum in Arizona - is this the new face of medical MJ reform? I sure hope not.

Tough luck for the disabled who generally live on $600-$1600 per month, how can we expect them to pay $400 per ounce?

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by ekim on June 24, 2009 at 07:38:35 PT
all the best to Stick-- end cannabis prohibition
Comment #12 posted by Storm Crow on June 19, 2009 at 09:45:10 PT About hemp as medicine.... The usual "smokable" cannabis has a lot of THC, but fiber hemp also has medicinial effects. Fiber hemp is rich in CBD (cannabidiol) which had been shown to be effective for many conditions. CBD does not "get you high" like THC. It does have a "mellowing" effect, but nothing more. Many of the "panic attacks" from our high THC strains could be prevented by merely adding CBD, either by breeding for it, or adding some fiber hemp to the cannabis being used. Among the things CBD can help with are- slowing certain cancers, lowering the incidence of diabetes, acting as a neuroprotectant and anti-epilepsy drug, preventing much of the damage caused by prions (Mad Cow disease) and much more. It has been shown to be anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, also. The studies are in my list, of course.

We need to be growing fiber hemp not only for the seeds (excellent nutritionally) and versatile fiber, but also as a disease preventing livestock feed and a wide-ranging human medicine!

http://cannabisnews.com/news/24/thread24881.shtml

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Comment #5 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 07:00:03 PT
Fear
I really think that fear is a big part of why so many restrictions are wanted on medical marijuana. I understand a need for regulating any industry so the consumers aren't abused by excessive prices. The Mississippi Farm has supplied free cannabis to people that are still in the program. I don't see why many farms like the one in Mississippi couldn't be put it all the states. Hire people who care about growing healthy and quality cannabis. Give these people good health care benefits and holiday pay etc. That wouldn't solve the whole problem but it would be helpful. Allow people to grow their own if they want just like people grow a vegetable garden. If cannabis really became a non money making issue it would take it out of the hands of organized crime. As long as an ounce of pot costs hundreds of dollars a black market will continue.

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Comment #4 posted by George Servantes on June 24, 2009 at 06:42:57 PT
Those who fight against God's plant...
... will be punished accordingly for their inhuman actions and uncompassionate laws and orders.

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Comment #3 posted by runruff on June 24, 2009 at 05:06:09 PT
Twisted logic!
Still it will be easier to score some "party weed" than it will be for the sick and needy to acquire it!

Good job Lynch, Your supporters, the pharmaceutical companies, will reward you greatly!

Hormel has a container with your name on it!

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Comment #2 posted by runruff on June 24, 2009 at 04:59:07 PT
Control!
That is the operative word. Politicians don't require control over my body but let's be real, this is all about a plant. Some say herb, some say weed, prohibitionist call it dope! It is an herb that grows like a weed and only dopes call it a drug!

"We are only as controlled as We will allow!"-Runruff

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #1 posted by FoM on June 24, 2009 at 04:53:30 PT
Rally for Medicinal Marijuana Bill in NH
June 24, 2009

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Supporters of a bill that would provide small amounts of marijuana to patients with debilitating illnesses are rallying at the State House as legislators consider the measure.

The original bill let patients grow it at their home, but a legislative committee amended it earlier this month so that patients would receive the drug from a "compassion center," a not-for-profit organization that must receive state certification.

The bill, expected to be voted on Wednesday, allows for up to three compassion centers, though language does allow for up to five after two years.

Copyright: 2009 The Associated Press

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10584956

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